Many major events of the Quebec New York 2001 celebration, a mix of fine art and theatrical offerings, which was to include the U.S. premiere of Robert Lepage's Zulu Time, have been cancelled, owing to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on NYC's now-destroyed World Trade Center. The Lepage show had been scheduled for Sept. 21-Oct. 9, at the Roseland Ballroom.

A memo from the producers of Quebec New York 2001 notes that the fest was headquartered at the World Financial Center and "had its main venue" there.

Ironically, Lepage's piece, a "fantasia-in-an-airport" that encompasses upside-down tango dancing, hip hop, club and world music, included plot elements about airport terrorism. Zulu Time was described as a journey to the frontiers of the performing arts. Set in an airport, it was to combine synthetic sounds, electronic and laser lights, spasmodic robots, video projections, acrobats and sultry contortionists in tracing the journeys of travelers, drug-traffickers, terrorists and lonely flight attendants.

Performed by members of his company Ex Machina, Zulu Time is being presented in association with Peter Gabriel's Real World. (Lepage directed Gabriel's "Secret World Tour.") An earlier version was presented in Paris and Zurich.

Lepage was born in Quebec City in 1957. He has appeared in New York at the Brooklyn Academy of Music five times, and his work has been seen at the Henson International Puppet Festival. Quebec New York was to be a showcase of arts, culture, business and technology. Other concerts, performances and exhibits were to be offered at the World Financial Center and around the city. Some dance and concert events are still occurring, so for more information about Quebec New York 2001, visit www.quebecnewyork.com. The website notes that families can call for information about those involved in the event, (800) 363-1363.

— By David Lefkowitz
and Diane Snyder